PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured the Legislative Assembly that there will be no compromise on the quality of public works, stating that a Monitoring and Quality Control Cell has already been set up and GI tagging of roads is underway.
Responding to concerns raised by MLAs over sub-standard work being executed under Public Works Department (PWD) contracts, Sawant said he would review all tenders issued in light of the recent decision to do away with the policy of rejecting bids quoting more than 20 per cent below the estimated cost.
The assurance came during a Calling Attention motion tabled by ruling MLA Nilesh Cabral, who alleged that certain contractors were quoting 35-45 per cent below the estimated tender cost, which could lead to poor quality execution.
The CM, who also holds the PWD portfolio, stated that it is the responsibility of the PWD Works Divisions to ensure that the contractors execute the works as per specifications and maintain quality.
“Quality of work is ensured in all projects taken up by the Department. Further, if any apparent defects are noticed during the Defect Liability Period (DLP), the contractor concerned is required to carry out all necessary rectifications at their own cost. No additional expenditure is borne by the Department for works under DLP,” he said.
Referring to Circular dated May 26, 2025, Sawant informed the House that, effective from June 1, 2025, it withdrew the restriction on rejecting bids quoting more than 20 per cent below the estimated cost. Contractors can now submit their best possible offer and are bound to complete the work as per the quoted amount and departmental specifications.
During the discussion, MLAs voiced concerns about substandard works being awarded to the lowest bidders. Besides, MLA Carlos Ferreira raised the issue of unregulated underground electricity cable works, alleging that contractors were digging indiscriminately without supervision, which has been damaging water pipelines.
